There is no need to wait for fireworks in Qatar until qualifying or the race. The first fireworks can be expected during the press conferences. The team bosses of
Mercedes and
Red Bull Racing, Tot Wolff and
Christian Horner, have been put next to each other.
Rising tension between Mercedes and Red Bull
With the denouement of the world championship approaching, the tensions between title rivals Mercedes and
Red Bull Racing are mounting. In the battle for the drivers' title Red Bull and
Max Verstappen still have a 14 point lead. Mercedes has an eleven point lead in the constructors' title.
A new chapter in the title battle is the protest that Mercedes lodged with the
FIA following Verstappen's defensive actions during the
Brazilian Grand Prix. The German team wants new camera images to determine whether Verstappen will receive a penalty. With the two team bosses next to each other at the press conference, emotions may run high. The press conference for the team bosses starts at 13:00hrs and will be attended by Frederic Vasseur (Alfa Romeo) and
Franz Tost (AlphaTauri).
Hamilton next to his new teammate
The drivers' line-up is also known. These press conferences will take place on Thursday afternoon from 12:30hrs. Hamilton will close the press conference together with his future teammate
George Russell. Max Verstappen is assigned to
Antonio Giovinazzi. The Italian driver was announced this week that he will switch from
Formula 1 to
Formula E next season after his contract with Alfa Romeo was not renewed.